Centrism

The moderate seeks the relative middle so if the winds blow in one direction, the moderate moves in that direction to a moderate degree. In contrast the centrist stakes out a position in the long-term middle so if the winds blow in one direction, the centrist leans against the wind. The centrist may seem contrarian in two directions at the same time depending on the issue but their focus is always on maintaining a place between the extremes.

Centrists are aware there are always trade-offs and oppositions: liberty vs. safety, property vs. equality, big business vs. big government, present generations vs. future generations, economic stability vs. economic growth, etc. Centrists seek a middle way between these extremes, a compromise that is aware of the tension between these extremes and expects adjustments in the future.